Wind Energy Basics – A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems
By Paul Gipe

Paul Gipe is one of the worlds leading experts on wind power and author of Chelsea Greens encyclopaedic ‘Wind Power for Home & Business’, he has now created an introductory guide to wind-energy systems. This book gives an overview of the burgeoning use of wind energy around the globe, describing and analysing the most affordable small wind generators, including the new generation of highly practical micro turbines. The wind power industry has been transformed in the 1990s by steady progress in efficiency, economy and adaptability. Wind energy basics includes detailed information on planning, purchasing, siting and installing a wind system and on integrating wind power with solar photovoltaics for more cost-effective and reliable off-the-grid applications.

Examines renewable energy and strategies that can be adopted by you, me and the community for a greener future. 376pp illustrated.

Greg Pahl examines available renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, water, biomas and biofuels, and geothermal) and homes in on strategies that can be adopted by individuals and, especially, communities. Such cooperative initiatives are common in Europe because they successfully bring people together to create collective energy security for a neighborhood or town while strengthening local economies. This book is for anyone ready to take meaningful steps toward a realistic, sustainable future.

Everything you need to know about building with straw bales. 128pp illustrated

Straw bale building is a radically different approach to the process of building. This book offers details of the main construction methods, and includes bale specifications walls and foundations doors and windows plastering construction drawings building regulations and planning permission.

With daily news of electricity blackouts and power grid failures, the looming natural gas crisis, heating oil price increases, and conflict over Middle East oil, Natural Home Heating is a must-read for homeowners everywhere!
Consider:

95% of American homes are heated with fossil fuels and electricity (which is mainly generated by fossil fuels).

Oil and gas prices will continue to rise as supplies dwindle and sources become less reliable.

Home heating costs could double or even triple in the event of a fuel crisis.

The use of fossil fuels is the primary contributor to global warming.

There are viable, clean, healthy, and affordable home heating alternatives.

The now-classic reference on solar electricity, offers a unique combination of technical discussion and practical advice. Written by physicist, lecturer, and solar home dweller Richard Komp, the book is both a comprehensive guide to the theory, manufacture, present status and future of photovoltaics, and a detailed installation and maintenance manual. Included are well-illustrated, step-by-step instructions for constructing your own solar module, a creative approach to demystifying the technology.

An overview of green building techniques, materials, products and technologies. 352pp illustrated.

" Any book from Dan Chiras is bound to be a carefully researched, comprehensive, and engaged read. This is a great one! It will inspire a whole generation of builders to tread more lightly on the Earth".
Doug Pratt, Real Goods Technical Editor